Waterproof B.O.B.

[teamnelson]

For Christmas I got my son and daughter each waterproof backpacks, since they both dinghy race, and my son whitewater kayaks. Got them for $26 each on Amazon, free shipping, made by Overboard. 25liters (6.6 gallons), actually a really nice daypack, not just a dry bag with straps. Now I'm thinking I might like one for myself after my last BOB field test in the rain - I'm getting about 5 gallons of minute in one rain barrel as we speak off of less than 100 sq ft of lanai. (Somebody prayed for snow and forgot to ask for cold to go with it).

Anyway, here's a link. If like me your bug out scenario has a strong chance of involving too much water at once; give it a look.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=aw_d_var_2nd_sporting-goods_txt?a=B002ACSFDK&vs=1

[Scibaer]

i read about your outting, getting soaked and all. it got me to thinking.
i currently use heavy duty freezer bags to keep things waterproof in my BOB..
but the bag its self is not water resistant , so i was thinking of a water resistant bag, or even dumping the bag and using some plastic container.
but the Overboard bag pack looks pretty darn good too.

[SHOOTALL]

I got some from Cabela's

[SHOOTALL]

they were large enough to store hunting coats and other gear while hunting in Canada . I liked them also very handy and tuff.

[Pat/Rick]

I use a germen mil-surp rucksack alot, inside i use a GI waterproof bag and have had no problems here in So WA. I have often thought of going to something like you are describing.I also use zip lock freezer bags as previously mentioned. Those look like a quality bag with good construction. If I had younger years instead of slower/older years ahead of me i would switch. How about a review if you decide to switch? Those would make a good B.O.B........Hmmm?

[teamnelson]

We normally get 30" of rainfall per year ... I think we've had 10" in the last 10 days and we just started our rainy season, so waterproofing is a priority.

By way of review, the bag is plenty big for a 24-72 hour BOB at 25liters. My son has already packed it with sleeping bag, tarp shelter, and all of his bug out gear, to include handguns & ammo.

Pros: easy top loading design. Padded shoulder straps, hip strap, chest strap. Has a tie down area on the outer face, and two smallish mesh pockets on either side for things you don't mind getting wet (holds a stainless steel flask perfectly). It also has an interior zipper pocket that's flat and hangs against the inside back of the main compartment, large enough for passport, wallet, etc.

Cons: no backboard/pad. no hydration sleeve or means to use one without compromising waterproofness. no molle/tie downs to hang additional satchels, etc. Its a little more work than a normal toploader to get at the main compartment.

All that said, it holds alot of stuff, and if you pack smart, you won't get dug in the kidneys. I'm 6'4" tall, 225# and it doesn't feel like a kiddie pack to me - I'd happily use it; my son is 6' 150# and it fits him like it was made for him.

So after my initial infatuation, I've decided to keep my 5.11 Rush 24, but get an OP Stuff Sack for the main compartment, since my current layout uses molle and a hyration bladder. However, if I didn't already have that, I'd have ordered this Overboard Bag and been just as happy.

[Pat/Rick]

Sounds good. Thanks.

[mechanic]

I bought a raincover for mine that so far seems ok......next time I get caught in a real monsoon I'll know for sure......

Ben